Most DAWs have a meter that will show you the peak and RMS values. (Peak = loudest split-second sound; RMS = average level) A fairly spacious, open recording will have its peak 14 or more dB higher than RMS. Recent releases can have as little as 7 or 8 dB peak-RMS difference.

Most CDs put out by audiophile labels such as Analogue Productions, the now-defunct DCC, Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, etc. often put out CDs that are much better sounding than their major label counterparts and most CDs that came out in the early CD era do sound better than a lot of the later major label remasters. The best way to find out which CD or LP pressings to buy is to ask people at web forums such as Steve Hoffman’s website, Audio Asylum, Head-Fi and others.

Well… in 2006 most people buy their music digitally, and as we all know mp3 doesn’t have that quality that CD has, so to be fair, it doesn’t really change much now does it?! you doesn’t get the details on a regular CD, just like you don’t get them on MP3…

also the consequence of this is when it starts to clip meaning the volume passes 0 db.. My mastering teacher louie terran from marcussen mastering told us a story of the red hot chili peppers album – californication which if you listen to it, you will hear alot of clippin… also too much compression and limiters will make your ears tired and so you dont wanna listen to it no more..

This is only one aspect of the manner the record companies have destroyed rock and roll in a rush for short term profits. And when we resist buying the crap they attempt to force feed us, they call us pirates and criminals.

One quick question: in this day and age, is it possible to put a CD with a louder volume while still retaining excellent audio quality? For someone with diminished hearing, (like me) that would be great.

This has been bugging me for so long, and I could not put my finger on what was happening. I mean, it sounded compressed, but I didn’t think it was some sort of global effort driven by improper motives.

I already knew that method, I was talking about whether or not the original audio off of the CD could be any louder, (so that hearing-impaired listeners do not have to tamper in any way with the audio or audio-player.) Thanks for the reminder though!

I’m not sure if this has been mentioned in later posts but it needs to be specified that it isn’t the record producer who is doing this, like mentioned in this video. It’s the record label executives. They insist that mastering engineers compress their releases like this. We engineers are forced to do this otherwise we would be fired. I’m not sure if the creator of this video was implying this, but it needs to be specified.

A comment and a question: after watching this, I’m no longer surprised at the huge difference between live and recorded sound. I know there are many other things, but it always surprised me how a live performance seems much more „listenable“, since I can make out the different instruments.
Can this be reversed somehow? I guess it will be, at best, very difficult.

Thanks for the comments everyone. Pretty much everything relevant has been said. Feel free to browse the comments archives, and please take a look at Bob Katz‘ (Grammy award-winning mastering engineer) web site for more info. -Matt

Kommentare sind geschlossen.

LOLr.de

Only high quality entertainment videos from all your favourite video sites like youtube or vimeo.

LOLr TV

About us

Lolr ist dedicated to the finest entertainment videos on the internet. From gaming, lifestyle, sports or fun over current issues, debates and gadgets. Experience the science of entertainment at its best.
Explore the most carefully selected videos available online. Waste your time with style on lolr.de :)

If you want to contribute content contact us at any time. For ad or banner inquiries and cooperations feel free to use our contact form right now!